Murfreesboro’s JazzFest returns to the Fountains at Gateway for another weekend of music starting on Friday, April 26.

Known for showcasing student jazz ensembles and professional talent, JazzFest has been an annual Murfreesboro tradition for over 25 years. Previously held in the spring on the Murfreesboro Public Square for many years, JazzFest moved to the Fountains in 2023.

Main Street Murfreesboro concluded its coordination of JazzFest last year, but other volunteers came together to continue the local outdoor musical tradition, and the festival resumes at its new venue.

Various local middle and high school jazz bands from schools in Murfreesboro, La Vergne and Smyrna will be participating in JazzFest. Public and private schools take part in the opportunity to highlight musical students as young as 12 years old.

Rutherford County Fine Arts Coordinator Lindsay Halford has been providing support to participating band directors to help ensure the success of JazzFest.

“This is an important opportunity for students to perform on a big stage, for a larger crowd. It’s a premier performance opportunity for them,” Halford said.

JazzFest has been a large motivating factor in curating strong jazz programs within the local schools, according to instructors. When JazzFest began, local and professional jazz acts would perform, as well as the student groups. For now, schools are primarily being featured at the event with 14 Rutherford County middle and high schools, two private schools and a community drumline participating in 2024.

The community music festival is free for the public to attend; attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets if they wish.

The Fountains at Gateway is located at 1500 Medical Center Pkwy., Murfreesboro. For more information on the 2024 Murfreesboro JazzFest, visit borojazzfest.com.

2024 JazzFest Schedule
Friday, April 26

6 p.m. – Victory Drumline
6:30 p.m. – La Vergne High School
7 p.m. – Riverdale High School
7:30 p.m. – Smyrna High School
8 p.m. – Rockvale High School
8:30 p.m. – Oakland High School

Saturday, April 27

11 a.m. – Victory Drumline Cadets
11:30 a.m. – Rocky Fork Middle School
12 p.m. – Blackman Middle School
12:30 p.m. – Providence Christian Academy
1 p.m. – Blackman High School
1:30 p.m. – La Vergne Middle School
2 p.m. – Whitworth Buchanan Middle School
2:30 p.m. – Siegel High School
3 p.m. – St. Rose of Lima
3:30 p.m. – Rockvale Middle School
4 p.m. – Siegel Middle School
4:30 p.m. – Oakland Middle School